Difference Between a Male & a Female Pekingese

The Pekingese toy dogs originally came from Peking, China (now Beijing). They are small dogs with laid-back personalities. Males and females are very similar, although there are some key differences. The issues with either gender can be mostly resolved by spaying or neutering your Pekingese.

  1. History

    • Pekingese were highly regarded toy dogs in Imperial China. When the French and English invaded in the 1800s, all Pekingese were ordered to be terminated so they wouldn't fall into foreign hands. Five Pekes survived, and were bred into the Pekingese we know today.

    Physical

    • Both the male and female Pekingese are usually less than 14 lbs., although some males can get slightly larger. Pekingese dogs have double coats, so they will shed in transitional seasons, and female Pekingese usually lose their undercoat suddenly when they are in heat.

      Because Pekes were bred for their physical appearance, they are prone to a number of health concerns. Many Pekingese dogs have trouble with their back and joints, breathing, dystocia (problems giving birth), exercising, eyes (being poked or popping out), heart (congestive heart failure), temperature (heat stroke) and weight (they easily gain weight, which contributes to joint issues).

    Behavioral

    • Female Pekingese tend to be easier to house train than males. Male Pekes, like many breeds of male dogs, mark their territory by urinating on things. This can be difficult to correct, since males start urinating before they lift their leg, so correcting this behavior is difficult if not watched closely. Since females squat before they urinate, you can scold the dog and take her to an appropriate area before she urinates.

    Male Vs. Female

    • Male Pekingese are usually easier to find and cheaper than female Pekes. Breeders tend to use females to produce more puppies and sell the males. Because of this, females can run $50 to $100 more than males.

      Male Pekes mark territory, and unneutered female Pekes go in heat every six months. During this time, they drip blood and will need to wear a dog diaper or take hormone therapy. The best way to deal with either of these is to spay or neuter your Peke. This will also prevent future generations of Pekes with the same health concerns.